the national archives The Will begins with the name of the person making the Will, (testator for men, testatrix for Women) It also stated the Parish where she lived.

First beneficiary Description of First beneficiary which is usually the Husband Allife or next of Kin.

Jane Austen

Final Beneficiaries This would cover servants and friends and the will would often specify their relationship to the testator or testatrix.

Affixed Personally John Gome Palmer of Hoppe First Parish Church in the County of Worcestershire and Harriet Elizabeth Palmer of the same place Spinners and weavers as follows and first the said John Gome Palmer for himself and that he be and is well acquainted with Jane Austen late of the Parish of Chawton in the County of Southampton Spinners for several years before his death and to the time of his death and that he hath ever since his death also been several letters purporting to be of her handwriting and subscription and the said Harriet Elizabeth Palmer for herself and that she too and was well acquainted with the said Harriet for several years before and to the time of her death and with her memory and character of handwriting and subscription having seen her write and also works and accounts in books and both that I found to be true and correct and that the proper writing according to the said letters purporting to be of her handwriting and subscription of the said Harriet Elizabeth Palmer and of no other person whatsoever I J Palmer Harriet Elizabeth Palmer.

Date of Will The Will was signed by the testatrix, the date here is 27th April 1817, often the names of witnesses would be given.

I do hereby make and constitute and appoint the said John Gome Palmer and Harriet Elizabeth Palmer executors of this my last will and testament April 27, 1817 and thus subscribe Jane Austen.

Probate Clause The Will has to be proven in Law otherwise it is not valid. This section is where you will find the probate date, in this case 10th September 1817, this section also includes where the will was proved.

Chief beneficiaries This was usually members of the immediate family.

Executor or Executrix The will would name a person or persons responsible for carrying out the wishes given in the will.